Investigating the controversial practice of drug testing pregnant patients in hospitals
Investigating the controversial practice of drug testing pregnant patients in hospitals
Thousands of pregnant patients across the U.S. are given routine urine drug tests. A joint investigation between “CBS Sunday Morning” and the Marshall Project has found the percentage of false positive results from urine drug tests to be as high as 50% – an error rate that can have devastating consequences. CBS News’ Erin Moriarty reports. [This report was produced in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system.]
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article highlights a controversial practice with potentially devastating consequences. While the core claim of routine drug testing and false positives is supported by multiple sources indicating scrutiny and legal challenges, the specific 50% false positive rate lacks direct verification from the provided sources. The article exhibits a moderate bias by focusing on the negative aspects of the practice.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Thousands of pregnant patients across the U.S. are given routine urine drug tests.
- Verification Source #1: The article mentions the controversial drug-testing of mothers and newborns in hospitals is under new scrutiny.
- Verification Source #2: This source mentions drug testing of pregnant patients seeking inpatient hospital care.
- Verification Source #3: This source mentions curbing hospital drug testing of new and expecting mothers, a controversial practice.
- Assessment: Supported. Multiple sources confirm the practice of drug testing pregnant patients in hospitals is occurring and is controversial.
- Claim: The percentage of false positive results from urine drug tests to be as high as 50%.
- Assessment: Unverified. None of the provided sources directly confirm the 50% false positive rate. This is a significant claim that requires further verification.
- Claim: This error rate can have devastating consequences.
- Assessment: Unverified. While the other sources highlight the controversial nature and legal challenges surrounding drug testing of pregnant women, none explicitly detail the 'devastating consequences' mentioned in the article. This is likely an accurate statement, but lacks direct support from the provided sources.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: 'The controversial drug-testing of mothers and newborns in hospitals is under new scrutiny in New York'
- Source 2: 'Virtua's practice of conducting drug tests on pregnant patients without informed consent...'
- Source 3: 'New York City is curbing hospital drug testing of new and expecting mothers, a controversial practice that can land newborns in foster care...'